Tampa vs Jacksonville: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Tampa, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,086▲ | $69,302 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.65▲ | $33.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,785▲ | $59,337 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,494▲ | $63,312 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,568▲ | $76,914 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,136▲ | $81,711 |
| Total Employed | 1,340▲ | 750 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Tampa and Jacksonville is $2,784 (4.02%). Tampa's median is +2.62% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $23,351,Jacksonville spans $22,374. Tampa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($71,450 effective) pays 2.57% more than Jacksonville ($69,661 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,086/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,136)
- ✓Larger job market (1,340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,450)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Tampa grew 7.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.1% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$65,480 (2019) → $70,170 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$61,810 (2019) → $67,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Tampa or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Jacksonville as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Tampa vs Jacksonville?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov